BANKS
It was a good first . . . a little overwhelming and emotional, but FANTASTIC! I love our family!“
WINTER-SPRING 2013 77th Reunion of the Thomas Marion Banks Family was a great success! “Very good reunion. Very good showing from Byrum clan. We started a new trend in October. Thanks Everyone! “ David Byrum
David Byrum, Woody Wiggins, Monte Stack, Rusty Terrell, Kathy Ryan Connie Hatch Jahnke, Lanny Banks, Sharon Cook, George Banks, Bob King,, Thomas Dixon, Becky Dixon, Donna Dodd, Diane Leonard, Dan Coles, Taylor Coles
Some of the Spouses . . .
Inside this issue: Joe Rockmore dies at 87
2
News from the Branches
2
Katie Byrum dies at 82
3
Joanne Byrum McMillan dies at 84
3
Letter from the Charles Banks Family
4
Healthy Cooking Recipe
4
Jeri Stapleton photos from The 2012 Family Reunion
Tommy Dodd, Sandy Banks, Patrick Stack, Loretta Byrum, Tom Cook, Larry Ryan, David Leonard, CarlaWiggins.
Winter-Spring 2013
Page 2
From the Groves Banks Branch:
From the Alice Banks Terrell Branch:
Joe Rockmore July 14, 1925—December 4, 2012 ROCKMORE -Joe Rockmore, age 87 of Loganville, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2012. A Third Generation General Merchandise Owner and Operator, Mr. Rockmore, ended his career with Otasco and Rockmore Furniture. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran, who served in the Korean Conflict.. Mr. Rockmore was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of Loganville and the Fergus Lodge # 135 F & AM in Loganville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady & Beatrice Stephens Rockmore and his wife: Polly Terrell Rockmore. Mr. Rockmore is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Libby & Phil Haulk, grandchildren, Josie & Chan Haulk, all of Loganville; several nieces and nephews also survive.
Alec Terrell, Alice Banks Terrell, Polly Terrell Rockmore & Joe Rockmore 1954 at the wedding of Joe and Polly
Alan & Kristy Banks are the proud parents of a new son Alexander (Alex) Russell Banks. Born November 10, 2012. Of course Meme & Pa (Marlene and Ed Banks) are thrilled over this new little addition! JT Banks (son of Alan & Kristy) was chosen "Student of the Month"in January at Carnesville Elementary School. The character trait that won the recognition was "generosity" which is so fitting for JT. We are all very proud of him. Marlene Banks was chosen "Teacher of the Month" also in January at Lavonia Elementary School. Lad and Lexy at their last horse show of the season. (2012) Lexy is the daughter of Katrina and Jason Spencer, granddaughter of Elaine and Charles Honea, great granddaughter of Verner & Evelyn Banks. Elaine & Lexy each took 1st. Place at the horse show!
After 3 years hunting, Blake Banks gets his first turkey— and, second turkey both on the same day! Blake is son of Billy & Dawn Banks. Grandson of Bill and
Winter-Spring 2013
Page 3
From the Viola Banks Byrum Branch:
Katie Byrum September 25, 1930—January 8, 2013
Byrum, Catherine (Katie) Manor, died Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at the age of 82. Katie was born on Sept. 25th, 1930, in Cambridge, MA. After her father's death when she was 4 months old, she and her mother moved to Coral Gables in 1931. There she grew up attending Coral Gables Elementary School, Miss Harris' School, and Ponce De Leon Senior High. Katie later met and married Joe Byrum of Homestead. They made their home and raised their family in the South Miami area. She was an active member and Sunday school teacher at Palmetto Presbyterian Church for many years, a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and a much loved babysitter. Katie was a loving and caring person that brought laughter and joy to everyone that met her. Her good humor helped her deal with the severe pain and crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Katie lived all but the first 4 months of her life in Dade County. During World War II, as a teenager she and her mother hosted the young RAF pilots training in Miami. Later they became the surrogate family for many young University of Miami students of the late 1940's. Although a simple woman, her great capacity for love and nurturing impacted the lives of many people. After marrying and having her own children, she continued the practice of taking in and being a surrogate mother to many children and young adults, both local and from around the world. The pain of her loss will be felt by many. As she joins her beloved husband, her mother, and the father she never knew we know she is now free of pain and we will see her again in our Father's house. Katie is survived by her daughters; Linda Byrum of Cedar Park, Texas (David Silver), Judy Byrum of Miami, Carolyn Berendsohn of Miami (William Berendsohn), Janice Byrum-Jackson of Riverdale, Maryland (Lucius Jackson, II), Diane Simonoff of Miami, Joelyn Simonoff of Miami; her grandchildren Joseph Silver (Melissa) and Rachel Silver of Texas, Catherine (Katie) Berendsohn of Miami, Lucius Jackson, III of Maryland and Devania Skyers
Joanne McKenzie McMillan December 20, 1928 - March 9, 2013
Joanne (McKenzie) (Byrum) McMillan, age 84, of Tavernier, FL, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. Joanne was born and raised in Tavernier, and graduated from St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Key West. Joanne was very active in many service organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star, founding member of the Does Drove 117, BPOE 1872 Elks, and American Legion Auxiliary, among many others. She was a member of Burton Memorial United Methodist Church, where she played the organ for many years. She was also a member of San Pedro Catholic Church. Joanne, along with her parents, H.S. and Hazel McKenzie, and her brothers John and Bobby, had many friends and many memories of life in the Upper Keys from the 1930s on. Joanne is survived by her husband M.D. “Mac” McMillan; son, David Byrum and his wife Loretta; grandchildren: Dylan Byrum and Amy Pearson; great-grandchildren: Cameron, Keagan, and Ian; and many nieces and nephews, including niece Susan DeLura Garrison, her caregiver and constant companion.
Winter-Spring 2013
Page 4
Dear Donna, Thank you so much for the beautiful words that the Banks Family Reunion newsletter spoke about our father. Dad was everything to us as a family and we rallied around him every day during his tougher moments. He knew he was dearly loved by his immediate family and it gives us great pleasure to see that other family members (Especially his beloved cousins) loved him too. The pictures that you included in the newsletter bring a smile to our face and we will cherish them for life. Dad went through all of the tough times without a single complaint, and to know that he had such a soft side does not even compare to the strength he showed us as a family unit during his last days. We also want to keep our Aunt Eleanor and first cousins in our prayers as uncle Johns passing leaves us with great memories from the past and hopeful times for the future. And lastly we want to say to Uncle George and Aunt Norma that we think of both of you often and we are here for you at this precious time. With great love, Charles Banks' Family.
Low Fat Broccoli Salad by Jeri Stapleton
4 cups fresh broccoli flowerets 1 cup diced red onion ½ cup raisins (firmly packed) ¼ cup real bacon bits ¼ cup slivered almonds, chopped
Dressing: ½ cup plain fat free Greek yogurt ½ cup. Hellmann’s Olive Oil reduced fat mayonnaise 2 T. red wine vinegar 2 T. organic Agave syrup 2 T. raw (turbinado) sugar Chop broccoli into bite sized pieces, saving the stalks for broccoli slaw recipe. This should measure 4 cups of broccoli. Chop onion. Mix broccoli, raisins, chopped onion, almonds, and bacon bits. In another dish, mix dressing ingredients. Combine broccoli mix with dressing until broccoli is coated with dressing. Store in refrigerator in a covered container. Makes 6-8 generous, guilt-free, servings.
Got Money? If you’d like to contribute to the gravesite operating fund, or help with the reunion or Banks Newsletter expenses, contact Rusty Terrell : 706-491-2714, or email rbtkt@gumlog.net. Mailing address is 1982 North Fairview Rd., Lavonia, GA 30553
Got Scoop? For stories and other newsletter submissions, contact Donna Dodd: 678-574-7071, or email donnabdodd@yahoo.com. Mailing address is 3425 Spinnaker Way, Acworth, GA 30102
Join your Banks Cousins on our Thomas Marion (Bud) Banks Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/195899920433030/members/ Just a reminder: Any of our cousin-members may ADD new members to our group!
PHOTOS
Winter-Spring 2013
Bob & Susan King Truitt & Margaret Banks
Chris Ankerich, Evelyn Banks, Sherry Banks Cieslukowski, Ashley, Sandy Ankerich, Truitt Banks, Lanny Banks, Norma Banks Susan & Bob King, George Banks, Rusty Terrell Standing left to right-
Patrick Stack, Brianna Garrison, Donovan Garrison, Sean Garrison, Carla Wiggins, Woody Wiggins, David Byrum, Larry Ryan.... Seated Left to Right...
Gabby Garrison, Jenny Garrison, Susan D Garrison, Monte Stack, Kathy Ryan, Loretta Byrum, and Connie Jahnke
PHOTOS
Winter-Spring 2013
George Banks, Bob King, Rusty Terrell
David Byrum, Loretta Byrum, Patrick Stack, Bob King, Susan King, Kathy Ryan, Sharon Davis Cook, Diane Leonard (in back)
Thomas Dixon, Rusty, Donna Dodd
Taylor Coles & Jen Applehans
Evelyn Banks
Cherokee Stack
Diane Banks Leonard
Dan and Taylor Coles
Larry Ryan, Woody & Carla Wiggins